Laiatu Latu’s pro game translates exactly as expected for Colts

The Indianapolis Colts took the first defensive player off the board in the 2024 NFL Draft, bringing Laiatu Latu from UCLA to the Midwest with pick No. 15.

Latu, despite some significant medical issues in his background, was certainly worthy of being the first defensive player hired. His tape showed an extremely professional player who can use his hands in a variety of ways to win from the rim. And the Colts see that translating to the NFL early through minicamp.

ESPN’s Stephen Holder reports on how Latu’s play is already translating to the NFL level:

The Colts are optimistic about Latu’s chances for success, as they’ve already seen some of the qualities seen in Latu at UCLA translate to the NFL… Latu’s array of pass-rush moves has been on display, but the next step is to perfect the counter-moves that will also be needed against the experienced pass protectors he’ll face in the regular season. Look for Latu to play in obvious pass-rush situations, which could potentially lead to high sack numbers.

– ESPN’s Stephen Holder

Latu has some work to do against the run, but as Holder mentioned, the Colts have the rookie in a position where he really only needs to be on the field in clear passing situations at this point. With Samson Ebukam, Kwity Paye, Dayo Odeyingbo and more already locked into their defensive line, Latu will just have to do his job in his rookie role.

Expect him to have an immediate impact on the stats in 2024.